We think Ralph Waldo Emerson made a pretty good point when he famously said, ‘Life is a journey not a destination’. It’s been over 10 years since we launched SORTED back in 2004 and during this time we’ve seen our network grow and develop in the most exciting ways. Launching our blog is the next phase, making this the ideal moment to reintroduce our services – both old and new!
SORTED Facebook Group
It’s amazing to think that SORTED was launched the same year as Facebook – that’s right, 2004 was big! Ok, so SORTED might not have been floated on the stock exchange but what we have done is grow an exclusive and highly active online network, where everything from sourcing elusive front row tickets to getting red wine out of a priceless fur coat, is achieved on a daily basis.
Our 500 invaluable members are made up of the best PAs in the business. All experts in their respective fields with incredible contacts and insider access, making the SORTED Facebook Group the place to be for reliable introductions and trusted recommendations. We also post all our new vacancies there first, including exclusive ‘off-market’ roles that don’t even make it on to our website.
We’d like to say a big THANK YOU to all our members – without you the Group really wouldn’t be the amazing resource it has become. We’re always looking to expand the network, particularly with those working outside the UK and those in private households, so if you’re not already a member, just request to join – all registered candidates will automatically be accepted.
Battered Black Book
It might have had a quiet and stealthy soft launch but judging from the number of emails and phone calls, our Battered Black Book (BBB) certainly hasn’t flown under the radar! For those who are yet to hear, we’ve created a bespoke supplier directory exclusively for our network. Packed to the brim with exciting added-value-extras such as free upgrades, discounts and generous ‘thank you’ rewards, the Battered Black Book is set to become the trusted go-to for every SORTED member. In many cases, the real value is the contact name and details themselves, giving you direct access to some of the most useful contacts in town.
BBB’s partners include everything from uber-luxury, Michelin-starred restaurants and yacht chartering companies to the more routine insurance firms and handymen. With more suppliers being added daily, do let us know if there are any brands or services you’d like to shout about – we always highly value your introductions.
Although BBB is an open directory, the all-important contacts and added-value-extras are only accessible under a login. As a member, your email address is automatically registered, simply enter your email here and a password will be emailed back to you.
Ask BBB
The shiniest, newest feature of the SORTED Club! If you’re looking for recommendations not yet listed in BBB, please feel free to contact the team directly – we’re always happy to help and usually have an answer. For those of you who admirably resist the cult of Facebook, we can always post enquiries on the SORTED Group on your behalf and forward the recommendations on to you.
Just drop us a line on: bbb@sorted-pa.com
Supper Club
Combining all the ingredients of the SORTED Club in a sociable and delectable smorgasbord of fun, our events have become increasingly ambitious and understandably popular. Whether it’s a reception at the top of the Shard or a weekend spa-break where other-halves are invited to tag-along, our monthly events are intimate, dynamic affairs – often held over dinner and always in locations with the wow-factor! Co-hosted with BBB partners, they offer the enviable opportunity to experience services and venues first hand, enabling you to make recommendations with confidence.
We know what you’re thinking…“where’s my invite?!” Well, guest lists are often industry specific and tailored to those most likely to value the introduction (read: make bookings!), with as much care going into the mix of the table to ensure the evenings are as fun as they are informative. Interested in getting involved? Just drop us a line at Supper Club and we’ll keep you in the loop with any upcoming events.
Your recruitment sorted
Our new(ish) website has proved a great success. It comes with all sorts of bells and whistles such as the improved Vacancy Board and Registration Form, and is fully mobile-responsive, helping you to easily search and apply for new jobs on the go. If you haven’t already, please take a couple of minutes to fill out new Registration Form, which will magically update your file on our database and help us keep you in the loop with relevant opportunities.
As you may have noticed, the SORTED team is expanding in a subtly different way to the traditional recruitment model. We’re working as a ‘collective’ of established and respected independent consultants that we’ve developed close working relationships with. Connecting with specialists in their particular fields helps us ensure that any vacancy is managed by the best consultant and resources are pooled to guarantee the candidates put forward are the crème de la crème.
Referral benefits
Did we mention that we’re different to your average recruitment agency?! We never do cold calls (oh pur-lease!) and only work with the best-of-the-best, which is probably why so much of our business comes through word-of-mouth. Oh, and the amazing referral rates might have something to do with it too! We’re so grateful for top-class introductions that we happily pay commission to members for introducing us to new clients – simply refer a job and on completion of the probationary period, we pay you 10% of our placement fee. Likewise, if you suggest the perfect candidate to fill a live role and they’re successfully placed, we pay you 5% of our fee on completion of the probationary period – kerrr-ching!
As you know, when it comes to candidates we only accept exceptional – we’re not only looking for professional and efficient, but committed, flexible and empathetic. It’s tough but you’re out there.
Our roles fall into two loose sectors – private and business. We can tackle anything from Senior Estate Managers to Travelling PAs, Heads of Family Offices to Account Managers, Team PAs to Live-In Housekeepers, and Butlers to Nannies, Receptionists to Bookkeepers etc. We relish a challenge and are on-call 24/7 to assist – whether it’s a placement for your boss, or to help you find your next career move.
So do feel free to introduce away: info@sorted-pa.com
So there you have it – SORTED in a gold-plated nutshell. We’ll be updating our blog regularly, so check back for all the latest news, views and other choice nuggets. Lastly, a massive thank you to all our members for supporting us on our journey – long may it continue!
Valentine’s Day
In search of a truly incredible culinary experience that is guaranteed to get that special someone’s taste buds tingling? Look no further than Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester – a rare jewel of a restaurant with no less than an epic three Michelin Stars to its name. For the ultimate romantic backdrop, book the stunning Table Lumière, a private ‘room’, encircled by 4,500 shimmering fibre optics, dropping dramatically from the ceiling.
SORTED clients and candidates can log into Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester’s Battered Black Book listing for direct contact details to book Table Lumière and access exclusive Added Value Benefits.
Show Some Sparkle
We all know diamonds are a girl’s (and guy’s!) best friend, so you really can’t go wrong with a piece of jewellery, especially when it’s from brothers GUY&MAX Shepherd’s exceptional collection. This award-winning duo has earned acclaim for their super-fine and minimal diamond pieces featured in the renowned birdcage collection – inspired by the chassis of the iconic Maserati racing car. Not just one for the ladies, make your man’s heart flutter with a pair of 18ct gold paper aeroplane cufflinks, originally designed for Max’s best men (or wing men) on his wedding day.
SORTED clients and candidates can log into Guy & Max’s Battered Black Book listing for direct contact details and access to exclusive Added Value Benefits.
Pull An All-Nighter
Extend Valentine’s Day by treating your significant other to a stay in London’s most unique hotel experience, ROOM – a striking sculpture, designed by Anthony Gormley, perched on the southern wing of The Beaumont, like a pixelated Buddha meditating over Mayfair. Initially approached through one of the hotel’s more traditional suites, ROOM is everything but your average hotel experience – try to imagine a 10-metre high asymmetric chamber encased in Black Forest Oak, with only a shaft of natural light entering through a small shutter. Oh, and the only furniture? Simply the most heavenly king-sized bed of your dreams.
Of course, if you prefer your bedrooms more orthodox, the hotel has numerous other beautifully appointed suites and rooms available, all fitted out in an effortlessly elegant art deco style.
SORTED clients and candidates can log into The Beaumont’s Battered Black Book listing for direct contact details to make all bookings and access exclusive Added Value Benefits.
Home Is Where The Heart Is
With Valentine’s Day falling on a weekend, it’s the perfect opportunity to arrange a romantic get-away, and what better than having the intimacy and privacy of your own home from home. Known as the ‘unhotel’, onefinestay offers guests the chance to experience living in the finest homes in London, New York, Paris and Los Angeles, when the owners are out of town. Think, amazing Californian townhouses, quintessential New York lofts and sophisticated London penthouses, all decked out with the comforts of home and all the luxuries you would expect from a 5* hotel.
SORTED clients and candidates can log into onefinestay’s Battered Black Book listing for direct contact details to make all bookings and access exclusive Added Value Benefits.
Cook Up A Treat
How about enjoying a bespoke and hand-crafted valentine’s evening without even leaving the house? Well with SORTED’s help it’s possible! We can arrange for an award-winning private chef to create the menu of your dreams in your very own kitchen…or in a onefinestay apartment in Paris…or a boat house overlooking the wild Cornish coast…or a cottage in the Highlands…(letting our imaginations run away with a bit…). Basically, whatever and wherever takes your fancy, we can ensure that both the menu and setting hits your sweet-spot.
Get in touch with a member of the team at SORTED to discuss any PA or Private Staffing needs and to take advantage of our 10% discount / 10% referral commission for new client introductions.
Send Your Love
If nothing says I love you like an elegant bouquet of roses, then an arrangement from OnlyRoses Valentine’s Day collection speaks volumes. With options ranging from classic stems to more bespoke arrangements, there is something to suit every kind of starry-eyed lover. Those planning to make the ultimate romantic gesture, should check out Infinite Bond – a luxury proposal box of Infinite Roses encapsulating a ring box – now that’s true love!
SORTED clients and candidates can log into Only Roses’ Battered Black Book listing for direct contact details and access to exclusive Added Value Benefits.
Household
Find your place
If every home starts with a good foundation then look no further than The Anello. This new development, set within an iconic former warehouse in the heart of vibrant Camden Town, consists of 20 loft-style apartments and two Penthouses available to rent from October 2016. Fully equipped and with an extensive range of services, including an in-house concierge managed by yours truly, The Anello is the hottest new addition to London living.
For all enquiries, contact bbb@sorted-pa.com
Raise your capital
Mortgages – just the word can send a shiver down the spine! What if we were to introduce you to someone who can guide you through the jargon, simplify the paperwork and ensure you get the best deal around? Well, Morrison Ward do exactly that, making simple work out of the mortgage minefield for everyone from first time buyers, upsizers, downsizers, landlords and everyone in between.
Make your move
Regardless of whether it’s personal or business, moving house is sitting pretty at the top of ‘life’s most stressful experiences’. Our advice is to take a load off (literally) and leave the detail to the experts, which is where our friends at Bespoke Moving Solutions come in. Whether it’s shifting an office across London, relocating an entire family to the other side of the globe, moving priceless antiques or beloved pets, they have got the whole experience perfectly packed and ready to go.
Dress your assets
We all know that some strategically placed artworks always make the right impression, but if you don’t know your Andy Warhol from your Wassily Kandinsky the whole purchasing process can be somewhat daunting. Gloucester Room is an independent art advisory firm who specialise in modern and contemporary works. Aside from helping you choose unique pieces, suited to a given space, they’ve got in-depth knowledge of the art market, ensuring that an investment is both beautiful and lucrative.
Compile your stock
Forget about property, art, jewels and cars, the investment trend of the moment is something close to all our hearts – wine. With specialist knowledge that goes beyond cracking open a good bottle of Sauvignon Blanc on a school night, Amphora offers a completely bespoke service covering everything from auditing an existing collection, to personal consultations, ensuring a portfolio is balanced and full of flavourful profit.
Finish your touches
Peonies, roses, hydrangeas or orchids, nothing says home like a vase of beautiful, freshly cut flowers. Unfortunately, for many of us that course in floristry (and the time to daily peruse the flower market) remains nothing but a pipe dream! Flowerbx is an online store that sells curated, fresh flowers, hand-picked by in-house specialists direct from the flower markets in Holland to your front door. With the click of a button, the finest, ready to arrange, stems will be delivered as often as you need – success has never smelled so sweet.Protect your passion
It doesn’t need to have turrets and a moat for your home to be your castle. As one of life’s most significant financial investments it’s essential to protect every precious commodity and prized possession. Lark Insurance are the experts in dealing with Private Clients and ultra-high net worth individuals. They will provide a made-to-measure solution that will suit you down to the ground.Source your dream team
A perfectly presented pile of bricks and mortar is one thing, but finding the right staff to keep it looking in showroom condition is entirely another. At this precise moment SORTED are in the process of placing a Russian speaking travelling nanny, a dedicated housekeeper-come-dog-sitter and a multitude of live-in chefs – primed to concoct mouth-watering dishes on a daily basis. Basically, whatever the need SORTED are the people who can find your perfect match – no swiping necessary.
Contact SORTED to discuss your staffing requirements.
Service your staff
As you well know, SORTED know a thing or two about sourcing amazing staff for all your private household needs, but it doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve got a ninja squad in place, we can introduce you to Plus HR – a savvy group of Human Resources professionals who take care of all the pesky admin, as well as the practical elements of managing and developing your dream team.